Former U.S. President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in Miami federal court on Tuesday to criminal charges that he unlawfully kept national-security documents when he left office and lied to officials who sought to recover them.

Following are some comments in reaction to the news:

*Former President Donald Trump on Truth Social

"Thank you Miami. Such a warm welcome on such a SAD DAY for our Country!"

*Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

Asked if he would still support Trump if he becomes the Republican presidential nominee and is convicted in the case, McConnell said: "I’m just simply not going to comment on the candidates.”

*Representative Elise Stefanik, chair of House Republican Conference

"Today is a dark day for our country as Joe Biden continues to fully weaponize the federal government against President Trump, his leading opponent for the White House in 2024."

*Republican Senator Ted Cruz

"Looking at the indictment of Donald Trump, the double standard is a massive problem for the Department of Justice. Merrick Garland and Jack Smith have done nothing to address this."

(Compiled by Reuters bureaux; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)